Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

William Franklin Lyell

TAPS

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night.

Nashville National Cemetery
I-151

Born:February 14, 1929 at Hickman, TN

Entered
Service in the US Army from Old Hickory, TN

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Korean War For heroism
August 31, 1951 at Chup'a-ri, Korea

Died:August
31, 1951 at the age of 22

When his
platoon leader was killed, Corporal Lyell assumed command and
led his unit in an assault on strongly fortified enemy positions
located on commanding terrain. When his platoon came under
vicious, raking fire which halted the forward movement, Corporal
Lyell seized a recoilless rifle and moved ahead to a suitable
firing position from which he delivered deadly accurate fire
completely destroying an enemy bunker. He then returned to his
platoon and was resuming the assault when the unit was again
subjected to intense hostile fire from two other bunkers. Armed
with grenades Corporal Lyell charged forward hurling grenades
into one of the enemy emplacements, and although painfully
wounded in this action he pressed on destroying the bunker and
killing six of the foe. He then continued his attack against a
third enemy position, throwing grenades as he ran forward,
annihilating four enemy soldiers. He then led his platoon to the
north slope of the hill from which effective fire was delivered
against the enemy in support of friendly troops moving up.
Fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, he continuously moved
about directing and encouraging his men until he was mortally
wounded by enemy mortar fire.